The family factor: How adult children influence downsizing decisions

A new report reveals two in three downsizers say their kids have a say in the move.Downsizing might be a personal decision, but for many Australians, it's also a family conversation.New findings from the realestate.com.au GemLife Downsizing Australia Report 2026 reveal that 66% of downsizers with adult children say their children have some influence on the decision, particularly when it comes to choosing a location, encouraging the move and researching options.“Downsizing is a big decision, and it's only natural that families are part of the conversation,” says Andrew Coulter, GemLife’s Chief Operating Officer.“Adult children often bring a different perspective. They might notice that maintaining a large family home is becoming more demanding or encourage their parents to think about what they want from the next stage of their lives.”When it comes to downsizing, research shows adult children are helping their parents make decisions.How one family approached the downsizing conversationAfter decades of living in large family homes to accommodate their blended family of nine children, Barbara and Noel Smith weren't initially convinced that downsizing was for them.While their four-bedr...